Atonement & Propitiation
Presented by Jeremy Griffin
December 11, 2019

Introduction

• The word “Atonement” is an OT word and an OT truth
• A similar word in the NT is the word Propitiation – but propitiation conveys deeper truth
• The truth that is consistent between both words and runs through the entire bible from start to finish is that God wants to have a relationship with individual humans
• His work and plan for the ages all focuses around this desire of His heart
• The success of it all is wrapped up in the Person of His Son Jesus Christ and His work at Calvary
• Our study tonight will take a look at the teaching of both words and the resulting impact on our lives

What Does the Word “Atonement” Mean?

• Hebrew – kafar: cover over
  • First Mention (Gen 6:14) Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch
    • Emphasis on the covering aspect

• Second Mention (Gen 32:20) For he said, I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept me
  • Emphasis is on the change that the present would produce in Esau’s mind toward his brother Jacob not on the present itself

• Mosaic Law – the atonement is not the sacrifice itself but a result of a sacrifice (death accomplished)
  • Emphasis is on the blood of the sacrifice being brought inside the veil

• Summary – the covering over of sins or hiding from sight for a time

What Does the Word “Propitiation” Mean?

• Greek – hilaskomai: complete blotting out or removal of sin by an acceptable sacrifice
  • Propitiation is the result of what Christ accomplished in His once for all sacrifice at Calvary
  • The result of propitiation is the satisfaction of God so that His holy wrath and righteous anger against sins may be stayed

• Rom 3:25 – God declares His righteousness to forgive sin based on sacrifice of Christ
• 1John 2:2 – God declares His desire for fellowship and the value of the sacrifice of Christ
• 1Jon 4:10 – God declares His love by sending His Son to be the sacrifice that satisfies justice
• Summary – giving to God the full satisfaction of sin forever

Why Does this Topic Matter?

• Because God is offended by sin and man is under the wrath and judgement of God because of his sin
  • A removal of sin is required for a person to be brought into a right relationship with God

• Because God has set forth (made evident/put on display) Christ to be a propitiation (or mercy seat)
  • He is an open declaration that the sacrifice has been made, the blood has been shed and He is now the mediator between God and man

• Because God in His love has provided a way for the renewal of communion with Himself
  • Propitiation enables God to deal mercifully with all who exercise faith in Jesus Christ
  • Propitiation is all about God being satisfied and He meets with us on this ground

• Because God invites us to come into His presence in full assurance that we are accepted
  • The handwriting of ordinances that was against us has been blotted out

• Because God has laid at Calvary the basis for the eternal triumph of God over Satan
  • Col 2:15 – Andhaving spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it
  • Rev 5:12 – Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

How Does it Apply to Me?

• Salvation
  • First and foremost, it applies to you in the invitation of the gospel
  • God is reaching out to you
  • Has provided a way where you the hostile and guilty sinner can be accepted
  • Provision has been made – requires the individual to exercise faith to obtain
  • Jesus Christ paid the price, because we couldn’t and so we don’t have to face judgement

• Standing
  • Sin is remembered no more – completely blotted out – God is totally satisfied
  • Believing soul enters into Eternal rest based on finished work of Calvary
  • Clothed in all the spotless beauty of the Son, changed by divine grace, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and given a place of total acceptance

• State
  • God is finished with “the old man” and “sin nature” but am I?
  • Do you like to sin?
  • Does your sin grieve your heart?
  • Mike Knox spoke at conference about “pet sins” that we like and think we can control
  • Keeping the death of Christ before us, and having a right appreciation for it, will remind us of exactly what God thinks about our sin – cost Jesus His life
  • We grieve the Holy Spirit and limit His effectiveness in our lives by exposing ourselves to and/or choosing to sin
  • The more influence He has, the more like Christ we will become and the closer our “state” will be to our “standing”
• Service
  • Christ died to set us free from bonds of sin to serve the living God
  • We are not our own, we have been bought with a price
  • Worship – constituted a priest and have received a fitness and title to come into the presence of God as a worshiper
    • Reverence – deep respect
    • Adoration – strong admiration
    • Devotion – strong love or loyalty
  • Ministry – set at liberty from slavery to work for Christ in service to His people, and Christ equips us with the tools to do so
    • Spiritually – spiritual gifts need to be used to be developed/strengthened
    • Practically – resources have been given to us to use for him (time, money, talent)
  • Gospel – we have the treasure in our hearts though we be but jars of clay and have the responsibility of shining the light (2 Cor 4:7)
    • Living – a spiritual life gives credit to the power of the gospel to bring change
    • Sharing – one on one, literature, groups